Peter Bates Cameo Wall Decoration, Pony Tailed Girl, Round Gold-Tone Frame, Miniature Profile Portrait

A pale profile held against the dark, a quiet presence for a wall of collected memories.

This miniature cameo-style decoration presents a girl in right-facing profile, her hair gathered into a ponytail and its flowing strands picked out in pale relief. The dark ground gives the portrait a striking contrast, enclosed by a reflective curved front and a narrow round gold-tone frame.

The surviving reverse label names the design “PONY TAILED GIRL IN CAMEO” and identifies it as “from the miniature world of PETER BATES LTD., TITCHFIELD, Hants.” A small hanging ring is visible at the top, ready to make this intimate portrait part of a collected wall display. The label provides the company and design identification, but does not establish an exact date or the portrait’s material.

The Particulars

• Type: Miniature framed cameo-style wall decoration
• Labelled company: Peter Bates Ltd., Titchfield, Hants.
• Design name: Pony Tailed Girl in Cameo
• Portrait: Pale right-facing female profile against a dark ground
• Frame: Round, gold-tone; metal composition unconfirmed
• Front: Reflective curved cover; composition unconfirmed
• Reverse: Brown backing with surviving printed label
• Hanging fitting: Small ring visible at the top
• Date and cameo material: Unconfirmed; not offered as carved shell or stone

The photographs show scattered small specks and light surface marks around the portrait and reflective front, with some rubbing and darkening to the frame. The backing shows age-related surface wear, and the paper label has discolouration. Reflections partly obscure the front in the photographs, so please inspect the close-ups carefully. No hand-carved production method or antique date is claimed.

A small portrait to nestle among framed keepsakes, old books, and the quiet curiosities of a room gathered slowly. Photographic props are not included. Carefully nestled in its treasure coffin, a vault relic from Vaen’kai Vault.